Chapter 47: Akakabuto's Origin: Part 2

Three years have passed. Akakabuto was now twenty two years old. With a huge amount of responsibility on his shoulders, he and Shogun were in charge of the rallies and making sure violence amongst their kind did not occur.

Alongside Shogun, the two would join Ghira on his protests, his visits in Menagerie has never been long. Although, he always made sure to play with Blake when they come back.

"Brother Aka! Higher!" A now three year old Blake yelled.

"Sure thing." Akakabuto lifted the young Blake up as high as he can.

"Look at them. I can't even keep her away from him." Ghira began to laugh.

"She really loves her big brother." Kali began to chuckle lightly.

"Hey Blake! Come play with Uncle Sho!" Shogun soon joined the two.

"You throw me too high up!" Blake yelled. "I wanna keep playing with big brother!"

Shogun hung his head in shame before dragging himself back to the others.

"Well it's true that you toss her up too high." Ghira said with a smirk.

"So how long until you head back out?" Kali asked.

"About a week." Ghira sadly said. "I feel like I'm missing out on her growing up."

"She may not see you as much. But she knows that you're doing this for her. For all of us." Kali kissed Ghira on the cheek.


Four years later

Mistral

Hundreds of Faunus gather around the downtown district. Waving picket signs as they protest for equality. A seven year old Blake was right alongside her fellow Faunus. Everyone paid attention as Ghira spoke.

"We of the faunus community, will not be stand for being second class citizens!" He roared.

Akakabuto and Shogun stood beside Ghira.

"Our ancestors fought alongside their ancestors in order to end a war that shook the wntire planet to its core! Yet we are still not considered equals!"

Suddenly, a glass bottle was thrown directly at Blake's. Striking her in her head.

"Blake!" Ghira yelled.

(Goblin Slayer OST: Heartbeat)

"Sho..." Akakabuto nodded at Shogun, who went to tend to an injured Blake. Akakabuto scanned the crow. He then found the person who threw the bottle as he was running away. Within a blink of an eye, he vanished from the stage. Capturing the assailant by the collar of his shirt.

"Bastard..."

"You freaks should crawl back to your damn zoo!" He yelled. "We don't want you filthy kind mingling with us!"

"We will...but not without compensation." Akakabuto began crushing the man's arm. Everyone watched as he began to yell out in pain.

"My arm!"

Ghira, alongside the protesting Faunus stopped to look at Akakabuto shattering the man's arm.

"Aka!" Ghira yelled.

"This was the hand...was it?" EmThe man kept trying to break out of the the grasp. However, Akakabuto didn't let go. Applying more pressure and a crunching sound was heard. "The hand that dared to throw that bottle?!"

"Aka, let him go!" Ghira yelled.

Akakabuto finally released him. The assailant began to roll around in pain as his arm was completely crushed.

"Yo...you just proved...what you really are... a bunch of...monsters!"

"Monsters, are we?" He then took out his weapon. A giant war hammer. "Filthy bastard. You'll pay with your-"

"Aka!" He turned and saw Blake. Her head was wrapped in bandages. "Please...don't do it."

Akakabuto soon calmed down. He realized what he was about to do. He placed his weapon down, before glaring at the wimpering man. "Leave. Before I change my mind."

The man ran away. Not wanting to stay around for him to do so.

"You're not coming with us anymore." Ghira said to Blake. They returned back to Kuo Kuana to tend to her wound properly.

"But why?! People are always throwing things at us! Whats so different about this time?!"

"You could've been killed!" Ghira yelled. "How would I explain that to your mother if I bought you back in such a state?!"

Blake began to cry due to being yelled at. She got up and ran off. Ghira took a deep breath before letting it out.

Blake sat outside the mansion. Wiping her eyes of her tears. She knew her father was right, but she wished to fight alongside them.

"I figured you would be out here." Blake looked up and saw Akakabuto. Who sat down alongside her. "How's your wound?"

"It's fine..." Blake had her head down. "Dad said I can't join you guys at the protests anymore."

"He's right." Blake couldn't beloeve it. Even Akakabuto was saying the same thing. "I know you think being there is important to you. But maybe...you should wait until you're a bit older. And are able to take care of yourself."

"Then teach me how to fight." Blake stared directly into Akakabuto's eyes. "So that I won't be a burden."

Akakabuto didn't want Blake involved in something like this. But he knows that she's very stubborn and will keep pestering him until no end. "Fine...but I will ask Ghira and Kali."

"Yes!" Blake hugged the bear faunus. "I promise I'll work hard!"

"Why is it hard for me to say no to her?" Akakabuto sighed in defeat.


Three years later

"Hey Blake! You coming or not?!" A young chameleon faunus said to the now ten year old Blake. She was standing outside of the mansion alongside a bull faunus wearing a mask.

"Ok!" Blake turned to her parents. "Mom! Dad! I'm gonna go play with Illia and Adam!"

"Alright. But be back before evening." Ghira said.

"Dad! I'm ten years old! I can take care of myself!" Blake puffed out her face.

"Listen to your father sweetheart. He only means well." Kali placed a hand on her daughter's face.

"Fine." Blake then ran outside to meet up with Illia amd Adam.

"I don't trust that Adam kid." Ghira glared out the balcony of the mansion as the three ran out towards the

"Does he remind you of a certain young girl playing together with a no good boy?" Kali leaned her head on Ghira's shoulder.

"Yeah. But when it's your own, you can't help but be nervous." Ghira then felt his scroll ring. "This is Ghira... you're back already?! We'll be there soon."

Blake, Illia and Adam ran to the docks. They stopped as they saw a boat being docked. Numerous faunus, alongside two familiar faces came out of the exit. Her eyes lit up.

"Brother Aka! Uncle Sho!"

The now twenty nine year old Akakabuto looked to see who called the two of them. To their surprise, it was Blake. She ran up to the two, giving them both a hug.

"Look at you! You're getting more and more beautiful as time go by!" Shogun lifted her up. "I hope those boys are staying clear of you!"

"Well..." Blake turned her head towards Adam, who didn't move a muscle.

"Isn't that the kid that Ghira took in a while back? The one front that factory ran by the Schnees?" Akakabuto glared at the young bull faunus. "You two. How about you come forward? We won't bite."

"I might!" Shogun being chomping the air. Causing Blake to laugh.

"My name is Illia...Amitola." Illia began to blush. "I'm...a huge fan."

"My name is Adam Taurus." Adam was looking doen the entire time. "It's... an honor to meet you two."

"No need for the formalities." Akakabuto placed a hand on his shoulder. "By the way? How old are you?"

"Sixteen... sir." Adam muttered.

"Sixteen?" Veins began to bulge out of Shogun's temples. His killing intent caused the faunus around them to nervously back away. "Normally I'd smash your head into the pavement. But I don't want my neice seeing such a sight."

"You'd do best to stay away from her." Akakabuto glared at the young bull. "If you know exactly what's good for you." He then looked at Blake. "Come along. I have plenty of stories to tell you.

"Bye Illia...bye Adam." Blake waved at the two before leaving with the older faunus.

The five of them sat down at the table for dinner. Ghira caught up with the two about What's been going on while

"I see..." Ghira began rubbing his beard. "Some progress is better than no progress."

"Either way, it's good to have you two back." Kali then sat down.

"I take it you still love fish, huh?" Akakabuto said to Blake as she tore through it as if it was her last meal.

"Y...yes." she had a small smile on her face.

"How has your training been coming along?" Akakabuto asked.

"It's been going great!" Blake said in an excited tone. "I finally built my own weapon! And Adam's been-"

"Adam..."

"That boy?!"

Blake placed her hand over her mouth. "May...I be excused?"

Ghira nodded his head. Blake then got up before leaving.

"That boy..." Ghira took a deep breath. "When we found him a few years ago, he...the things they must've did to him."

"Quite horrendous." Akakabuto said. "Anybody who went through what he went thorugh will probably have a warped view of humans."

"In many ways, he reminds me of you Aka. Maybe, you should sit down and talk to him."


Two years later

Sounds of metal can be heard clanging outside the mansion. A twelve year old Blake and a now thirty one year old Akakabuto were both training. Thanks to her speed, she was able to avoid the strikes of his hammer.

"She's really inproved." Shogun said.

"I was a bit worried when you two came to me and asked to train her back then." Kali said. "But... I know that with you two, she'll be in great hands."

Blake began to breathe rapidly. 'He swings around that hammer like it's a paper fan. Even though he's intentionally missing on purpose, I still have to be on my gaurd.'

"What's wrong Blake? You seem... off." Akakabuto asked.

"I'm sorry...I was just thinking... that's all."

"It's ok to think. But if you overthink, you can make a mistake that will be fatal." Within a blink of an eye, he covered the distance between the two. Blake tried to back away, but couldn't as he swept her off her feet.

Akakabuto then raised his hammer. Stopping close to her face. "If this was a real battle, you would've lost your head." Lifting the hammer from her face, he helped Blake up from the ground.

"Sorry." Blake began to look down.

Akakabuto took a deep breath. "It's fine. Although the next time we train, make sure your mind is clear."

"Aka. Sho." Akakabuto and Shogun averted their attention to Ghira. Next to him was a female bengal tiger faunus.

"Hello Aka. It's been a while." She said.

"Sienna..." Akakabuto then heard kissing sounds from Shogun, who then stopped as he was being glared at.

(Vinland Saga OST: Wildest History)

"It seems that things aren't moving as smoothly as i thought it would." Ghira said. He, Akakabuto, Shogun, and a tiger faunus all sat around a round table.

"While it's s because of your actions that Faunus no longer have to live in fear. There are still humans who wamt to tear it apart." Akakabuto added. "They wish to segregate Faunus and humans from the academies."

"It's like we take one step forward, and get pushed ten steps back." Shogun said.

"Perhaps I can add something to this meeting?" Everybody turned towards Sienna.

"Of course Sienna. Go on ahead." Ghira gave her the stage.

"While progess towards equality has gone up by a huge margin these past few years. We still suffer from acts of violence towards our kind. Besides segregation and discrimination between Faunus and humans still existing. Our protesters are being attacked by anti faunus groups. The Schnees alongside other dust mining companies still use us for cheap labor..." Sienna banged on the tsble as her anger grew. "Our women being used to fulfill the lustful desires of these... monsters!"

"What are you saying?" Akakabuto asked.

"What I'm saying? Is that these, "peace rallies", are no longer effective. We're tired, Ghira. And we can't take being treated... like second class citizens any longer. We need to do something more than wave around picket signs."

"Are you saying that Ghira's methods are not working?" Akakabuto then stood up.

"It was back then...but now, it's no longer what we want."

"You'd do best to keep you mouth shut." Shogun also stood up also. Both of them glaring at the tiger faunus, who did not back down.

"You know how things were all those years ago... don't you?" Sienna stood up herself. Not backing down from the more intimidating faunus. "The days where Faunus had no hope. No future. It was a curse to be born as a faunus back then."

"Things are different from back then." Akakabuto began to glare at Sienna. "But what you're suggesting, will one day bring more harm than good to all of us."

"Enough!" The three looked at Ghira. "I've been leading this group for nearly twenty years. Never had I dreamed how large of a community, a family, that we would become."

The three were shocked by the sudden words.

"I'm not oblivious to the voices. People wish for me to step down due to these... "old methods". They wished to fight back instead of turning the other cheek."

"Who?! I'll show them my old methods!" Shogun was about to leave but was stopped by Akakabuto.

"You...you can't be serious?" Akakabuto's eyes widened in disbelief. "But...everything that you did. There would be no White Fang without it!"

"You and Sho were the first two people to believe that I...no...we could make a change." Ghira placed a hand on his shoulder. "But...I think I did enough fighting."

Akakabuto couldn't believe it. While he was looking at him, at the same time, he was looking through him. As if he was not the same person who risked his life to recruit them. The man who basically treated him like a son.

"In a week, I shall be announcing my retirement. And handing over the title of Supreme Leader." Ghira said. "This meeting has been concluded."


The following week, Sienna Khan has been appointed as the new Supreme Leader. Seeing that Ghira finally made his choice, Akakabuto decided that it was time to take his leave.

A twelve year old Blake was sneaking into her home after being out almost the entire night. She took notice of Akakabuto, who was seen with a few bags.

"You're really leaving? Aren't you?" Akakabuto turned and saw Blake. He knew she was out with Adam in the late night.

"Didn't Ghira say not to associate with Adam?"

"I'm twelve years old. I'm able to make my own decisions." Bkake retorted.

"So sneaking off and attacking human outposts is making your own decisions?" Akakabuto notice a bit of blood on her shorts. "We didn't train you just so you can pick fights. It was so you can defend yourself."

"I'm... Adam said that what we're doing...is right. What Sienna wants...is right."

"The reason why Adam will forever be a lowly grunt is because of his rage. He's like a raging bull who sees nothing but red." Akakabuto tried to take Adam under his wing in order to control that deep seated anger. Hoping he would not make the same mistakes as him. However, he realized how far gone he was.

"That's not true!" Blake yelled. "He..."

"Another thing, do not think about joining the White Fang as they are now. You will only get yourself into danger."

(Vinland Saga OST: Awaken)

"So now you're saying the exact same thing as my parents?!" Blake yelled before sending her gaze downward. "My father, instead of going along with this new idea, decided to give it all up. Now, you decided to leave because you wasn't chosen as leader?!" Blake began to glare at him. "You're a coward, just like them."

Akakabuto was completely silent. "Blake-"

"Do you know what it's like? Having to just...turn the other cheek while being called all sorts of deragory insults every single time? Recieving all sorts of threats to you and your family? Being called a freak?! An abomination?!" Tears began to well up in her eyes. "I...i hate it. That's why, when we go out...and fight those humans. It... feels as if we're getting back at them for everything."

"There was a time...long before you were born. We were treated even worse than now."

Blake wiped her eyes as she stood to listen.

"I watched, as my family were murdered in front of my eyes."

"Wh...what are you-"

"I wanted to not only kill the people who done that. But even those who had nothing to with it." Akakabuto then turned to Blake. "I've killed many humans over the years. Some who tried to harrass us. Some because I wanted to."

"And I hoped...with every fiber of my being. That one day, every single human on this planet would die." Akakabuto then thought back to Kali's words. "But... had it not been for your parents. I'd had been died a long time ago."

"Why are you telling me this now?"

"We wanted to create a place where humans and Faunus were equals. Where kids like you, would never have to pick up a weapon."

Tears continued to fall from Blake's eyes.

"You have no enemies on this planet. None of us do. However, The White Fang...no all faunus, will be dragged into this should they proceed with following Sienna." He then turned to Blake.

"And then everything that your parents, myself and Sho worked hard for... Will end up in ruins."

"Then...stay." Blake tearfully replied. "You...and uncle. You three can work together...and-" Akakabuto went to hug Blake.

"I made a promise to myself. That one day, you would be able to see what this planet has to offer. But it seems...that I broke that promise."

"Please...don't leave." Blake continued to weep as Akakabuto released her from his embrace.

"Blake... take care of yourself. And tell Ghira and Kali... I will forever be grateful... for everything they've done." Akakabuto smiled at his honorary little sister.

Blake sadly looked on as that would be the last time she saw him.

Akakabuto stood out the outskirts of Menagerie. He then felt a hand on his shoulder.

"You know you could've stay, right?" He said as Shogun leaned on a tree.

"I could. But then again. I was getting tired of the old "equality with humans" crap." He then thought about Ghira, Kali and Blake. "Besides, I'd have to see that look on their faces everyday if I did."

Akakabuto knew Shogun was a bit saddened. Even if he didn't show with the path that the White Fang was taking. It would only be a matter of time before tensions between the White Fang and humans will rise to a point

"So long Ghira, Kali. It was fun while it lasted." Shogun waved at the village.

Akakabuto then turned his back towards the village before walking off. 'Please take my advice Blake. Don't follow in our footsteps. And choose the right path.'


One year later

After taking the job that costed him his eye, Akakabuto and Shogun began recruiting Faunus far and wide. With the large amount of lien that they recieved, they were on their way in building a new base. Which was located in the Mistral outskirts.

"This place is apparently known as Green Grass Gradation." Akakabuto looked at the map on his scroll. It's area expanded nearly 70 acres of land. Shogun and the huge crowd of faunus looked on in amazement by how vast the area was.

"However. Before we can call it home. We need to clear it of the Grimm that's infesting it."

Hundreds of Grimm. Ranging from Beowolves, Beringels, King Taijitu, Nevermores and Sphinxes, were alerted by their presence.

(Vinland Saga OST: Battleground)

"I can clear em' out myself." Shogun began to grin as he took out his dual axes. "I've been in need of the exercise."

"By all means."

Shogun went charging forth towards the horde of Grimm. He allowed his aura to coat his weapons. He then began to go to work as he cleaved through a Beringel like a hot knife to butter.

"Just look at him go."

"He's... just incredible." A goat faunus said.

More Grimm continued to blindly charge forth towards their death as Shogun delivered them their desires. Slicing Grimm apart like a man made blender. All the while laughing like mad man.

"Boss... you want to join him... don't you?" A poodle faunus asked Akakabuto.

He felt his recently closed scar on his right eye. "Maybe I can use the exercise also." Akakabuto then smirked as he took out his hammer.

"Alright men! Let's clear out the Grimm and go home!"

Soon, the large group of faunus joined Shogun in clearing them out.

Shogun threw his axe strainght in the middle of a king taijitu. Splitting it in half and killing it instantly.

"Gotta say, this is quite exhilarating." Akakabuto slammed his hammer into a herd of Beringel, before slamming them into the ground.

"I'm amazed that your lack of an eye didn't hinder your fighting skills." Shogun said, as he cleaved a Ursa Major in two.

"As you can see, I'm fairing quite well." Akakabuto placed lighting dust into his hammer.

"Thunderclap of the Eight Trigrams" He then slammed his hammer, Take Mikazuchi onto the ground, electrocuting numerous Grimm as they then disintegrated.

"We cleared the eastern quadrant!" An arctic fox faunus yelled out.

"Good! Keep it up! We should be done in about five hours!" Akakabuto yelled before smashing in a Beringel's skull.

"Sir!"

"Maybe we should become huntsmen while we're at it!" Shogun yelled as he continued to slice through hordes of Grimm. "Make things more interesting!"

'Huntsmen...huh?' Akakabuto smiled at the thought. "That's an excellent idea."


Seven hours later

The plains were completely wiped of all the Grimm that lurked the area.

"Man! I haven't fought this hard in years!" Shogun picked up his axe that he threw hours ago. "So...when do we start?"

"Tomorrow. As you can see, everybody is tired from the fight." He looked around at the faunus that were sitting around and socializing with one another.

"Well... until then!" Shogun then fell on the ground to sleep.

The next few months revolved around building up their headquarters. Thanks to having over a thousand faunus, the job was done in no time.

A few days after the completion of the base, Shogun and Akakabuto were in their office area.

"We need dust." Shogun said. "However... thanks to those damn White Fang and all of those robberies, they wouldn't dare give us any."

"There is one person who we can obtain a large quantity from." Akakabuto then took out his scroll. Showing a the mugshot of Roman Torchwick. "Remember him?"

"Oh yeaaah! That pathetic human who begged us not to kill him for "accidentally" wandering into our turf."

"That's right. Apparently, he's a well known dust thief that goes around stealing dust from shops all over Vale."

"And you want him to steal dust for us, right?"

"Not want... Will. He owes us his life, remember?"

"Well we can contact him after the speech." Shogun began to grin.

"Speech?"

"That's right. You're gonna be giving our troops some words of encouragement."

"Sho. I think you're the one who should be leader."

"Huh?" Shogun was shocked by his partner's request. "Sorry but I'm gonna have to decline."

"But why? The faunus respect you. You have an air around you that makes them want to follow you."

"And what about you?"

"Nobody is going to listen to a handicapped Faunus." Akakabuto once again touched his scar. Shogun placed a hand on his shoulder.

"You sure about that? Because when we were slaughtering those Grimm out there all those months ago, it seemed like they were all listening to you." Shogun said. "You know, Ghira wanted you to become the surpreme leader of the fang."

"He... did?" Akakabuto's eye raised up in surprise.

"That's right. Although he was worried that your methods were too similar to his. He didn't want what happend to him to happen to you."

"You mean with him being forced to step down?"

"Yeah."

"But what about you?

"Well, I just wanna fight. Being a leader isn't for me."

"But...what if I fail?"

"All leaders make mistakes Aka. It's up to you to learn from them. Besides, you gave up half of your sight to make this happen. That's what it means to be a leader." Shogun then gently pushed him to the podium. "Now go on."

Akakabuto looked around at all of fellow faunus. Those who had no where to go. Those who fought in wars. Those who suffered racism, discrimination. Those who lives were ruined. And rejects. What he would say will either rally them together, or turn their backs on him.

"Fellow Faunus... most of you know me as boss. But my name is Akakabuto." Akakabuto looked at the large crowd of faunus. "What we have here... is more than a job. More than a mercenary group. But... a family."

"How many of you...have suffered due to being born as a faunus?"

Surprisingly, the entire room of faunus had raised their hand.

"Those who suffered out in the open. And those who suffered in silence. Akakabuto looked at all of the faunus in attendance. "I can hear it all. I can fell it. Your cries of pain."

"The differences in our races is what caused conflict between us and the humans. And conflict, brings misery."

"I was only seven...when I watched my family get slaughtered. Not by Grimm. But by the ones who treat us like... monsters!"

The crowd of faunus' emotions varied from anger and rage.

"There was a time where I wouldn't mind wanton slaughter against them." He then thought back to Ghira, Kali and Blake. "I was soon taken in by the previous leader of the White Fang. Where I learned that it was possible for humans and faunus to walk shoulder to shoulder. Hand in hand."

"But... since stepping down, the new leader's methods were not what I desire. So I left in order to find what works for me."

"However. It proved to be quite the task." Akakabuto touched his scar once again. "I'm still weak. And I can't do this on my own. I learned that as I watched you all work together in order to obtain our home."

"Don't tell me you're expecting us to work together with those damn humans!?" Yelled out a duck faunus. "How do you expect to do this all on you're on?!"

"I never said I would do it alone." Akakabuto looked around at all of the faunus. "We shall do it together."

All of the faunus were surprised. Together? In unity?

"We don't have to get along or live with the humans. But we shall instead, use them for what they have!"

The faunus began whispering in the crowds.

"That's why...I want you all to join me!" Akakabuto roared out. "One faunus can't do this on his own. But with many, we will be able to do more!"

"I don't expect you to stay! You are free to do what you desire. But are you telling me that you're willing to throw away everything that we worked hard to achieve in these past few months?!"

The faunus were all amazed. The way he held his head up high. Not in a way as if he was looking down on them. But in a way he was standing aside them.

"This man..."

The duck faunus held his chest. "What is this feeling...it's like...my heart is pounding with excitement. And it's all because of his response."

All of the faunus felt the exact same feeling as he did.

"If it's this man, I can trust him."

"I can surely see it."

"We want...to follow this man!"

Shogun had a huge grin on his face. "Ghira...if you can see him now. Damn kid finally grew up."

"What we shall do is participate in ongoing armed interventions! In other words, we are mercenaries!"

"Mercenaries?" The faunus were surprised by what he said.

"That's right. But there's more to it than just risking your lives by fighting battles. For example, someone who is good at commerce."

"I can do that!" Yelled out a gerbil faunus. "I know people who get you what you need for the cheapest price!"

"Someone who excels at diplomacy."

"Over here!" An eagle faunus yelled. "I wanted to be apart of the Mistrali Council. But I was rejected due to my race. If I can lend my skills here, then so be it."

"Specialists in intelligence operations."

The duck faunus raised his hand. "I was once a huntsman. Due to the horrible treatment that they have committed against me and my fellow faunus, I could no longer stand by and watch. So i left. If it's intelligence you need. I'm your man."

Akakabuto couldn't help but smile. It seems that things are going exactly as he wanted to. "For those who wish to learn these skills. Speak to the ones who spoke up. If you wish to learn about combat. Speak to Shogun, and he shall train you in doing so! If you do not have aura, we shall unlock it for you! If you don't want to fight, that is also fine! But you must pull your weight in some form!"

"My brothers! My sisters! We shall rise above what the White Fang was. And spread our influence across this planet, as the Wild Fang!"

The faunus all began to cheer loudly. For Akakabuto had won the hearts of his fellow faunus.

"Akakabuto! Akakabuto! Akakabuto!"


Present day

Akakabuto stepped out of the train. Looking around, he saw Faunus interacting with humans. Something he thought he would never see in such a long time. "Vale... it's been far too long." He then saw Neo, holding a sign that said "Red Helmet".

'Couldn't be any more conspicuous... huh?" He walked up to the woman. "I take it that you're Torchwick's "Right hand woman"?"

Neo nodded her head.

"Not much of a talker huh?"

Neo did a few gestures. Mainly placing finger scissors against her throat.

Akakabuto then sighed. "Lead the way."

At the warehouse, Roman was reading a news article. "The Head of The Nikaido Family's daughter missing. Do I feel sorry for the bastard when they catch them." He then saw Neo and Akakabuto walking into the entrance.

"Akakabuto...it's been far too long since we saw each other in person." Roman placed his hand out to greet the bear faunus. However, he was ignored. Akakabuto began to look around. Watching as he saw White Fang soldiers lifting boxes.

"Where is Cinder?"

"Still playing school." Torchwick said with a tone full of annoyance. "Apparently, she's at the top of her class. Maybe we should celebrate by getting her a cake?"

Akakabuto was not pleased. But that was not the case this time. "So... where is he?"

Torchwick led Akakabuto to an isolated room in the back of the warehouse. "I should warn you. He's been there for a while."

Neo held her nose and waved her hand to give a proper meaning of what Torchwick meant.

"Give us... some privacy." Akakabuto walked into the room as Torchwick closed the door behind them. He walked towards what used to be an extremely muscular wall of a faunus, now a rotting, maggot-infested skeleton.

(Parasyte The Maxim OST: Lives)

"It's... been a while... Sho." Akakabuto took a seat next to the corpse. "During the ride here... I couldn't help but think about the old days." He had a small smile om his face.

"We've... been through a lot. We caused a lot of pain... a lot of suffering... and a lot of corpses."

He swatted the flys that were in his face away before continuing. "Ghira, Kali. They gave me a new meaning to life. But it was you... started everything."

"I never told you this. But sometimes... I wondered how thongs would've been should we had stayed? Even after we clashed with Sienna and her ideals, we ended up doing exactly the same thing she wished for the Fang to do. In some ways... I think we're worse than them."

"I m ow I'm just rambling away." Akakabuto's sight began to become misty.

"You always did love to fight. I guess that's why you always wanted to go out on missions. Even when i would tell you to just sit back and relax."

"When I heard that you have suffered your first loss thanks to some kid. It took me by surprise." Tears began to brim around his eye. "But for him to... go and... take your life. It was an act of pure disrespect! After everything you put into that battle!"

"I didn't know whether i should've told Ghira and them. But i know...how you felt about others worrying about you."

"You... You were a shit mentor. But you were my best friend. And it was bacause you saved me that day. That I'm able to..." Akakabuto wiped his eye. Unable to finsh the rest of his sentance. "I will... kill him for what he's done to you. And once he arrives in hell with you. Kill him as many times as you want."

"Thank you...for everthing." Akakabuto then stood up, he took out some fire dust and spread it across the skeleton. He then ignited it to let it burn until it was nothing but ashes. "Until we meet again."

He made sure to wipe his eye before leaving. Once he left, he saw Torchwick observing the White Fang members.

"So I'm guessing she told you about everything that was to happen?" Torchwock took out a cigar and lit it to smoke on.

"Comsidering that Shogun never got the chance to finish the job. I will be taking over. Although my plan to kill the boy will proceed as it was." Akakabuto then felt his bear ears being tugged. "Get her before I kill her."

"Neo. I told you, he's going through a hard time as it is losing his... platonic partner."

Neo began to pout as she released his ears.

"I'm quite surprised. To see the "current" White Fang members working with you." Akakabuto said.

"That would be because of me." The three looked towards the main entrance. Where Cinder, alongside Mercury and Emerald soon entered the warehouse.

"It's been far too long since we met in person Akakabuto. Five years to be exact." Cinder had a smile in her face. "My condolences for Shogun."

"I have no need for any condolences. " Akakabuto said.

"Oh? Well maybe there's something else that you want?" Cinder went to place a hand on his face, only for it to be avoided. Mercury cringed a bit at the sight while Torchwick gagged.

"I know all about your history. So save it for some gullible bastard like Torchwick."

Torchwick scoffed at the insult.

"So how are you going to keep an eye on Headphones when none of your men are here in Vale?"

"That's where you're wrong." With a snap of his fingers, White Fang soldiers who were moving boxes dropped them instantly. Forming lines in front of the bear faunus.

"Wait... what is this?" Torchwick couldn't believe it. Nearly half of his faunus workforce all lined up.

"Did you honestly think that I didn't have my eye of you this entire time, Torchwick?"

"Imagine the number of times they could've killed us in our sleep." Mercury said.

'Dammit... all this time!' Roman sucked his teeth in annoyance.

"Boss. It's been far too long since we saw you out in the field. " A duck faunus said as he bowed towards Akakabuto.

"It has Drake." Akakabuto had a small smike on his face before going back into a scowl. "Now tell me? Is everything Torchwick saying the truth?"

"Yes. At first we thought it was a hoax... until saw the video." Drake tightened his fist in anger. "That bastard. He will pay."

"At ease. We will end his life once we get our hands on him."

"You'll basically be doing me a favor if you do so." Torchwick said." He and little red had been a thorn in my ass for quite a bit."

"Is he that much of a nuisance to you?" Akakabuto said as he touched his right eye. "And what about you?"

"The less you know, the better." Cinder had a smile in her face.

"So are we taking a diversion from the next step to snatch up Headphones?" Torchwick let out a sigh of annoyance. "Plus, how are you going to get him by himself if he's always with that... red eyed monster?"

"Red eyed monster?" Akakabuto looked at Cinder.

"Emerald's little crush." Mercury smirked at the thief, who began glaring daggers at him. Although he stopped once he recoeved a glare from Cinder.

"Yes. He has allies. One of them in particular has a power similar to mine." Cinder then unleashed a bit of flames from her palm. "If you can get him by himself? I suggest having an entire squadron taking him down."

"You give him more credit than he is worth." Akakabuto said

"That's because he is." Cinder said. "While he recently discovered his semblance, it's quite powerful. And very dangerous should he master it. The same goes for his brother."

"Would you compare him to one of those Maidens?" He said.

"No. Something beyond that."

"I'll keep that in mind. Once we get him, and you take what he has. I will kill him myself."

"So... do we have a truce?" Cinder held her hand out, to which he did not accept.

"Until the job is done." Akakabuto then looked at the large group of faunus around him.

"What do you want us to do boss?" Drake said.

"I want you mission is to keep tabs on "Nicholas Bell". Do not face him one on one. Should he be by himself? Work in groups in order to restrain him and bring him to me. I will take care of the rest."

The soldiers whispered amongst themselves in excitement.

"Remember! This is more than just a simple mission. This is in order to avenge Shogun! Do not forget that!" He roared.

"Sir!"

"Now disperse!" With a command issued, the faunus left the warehouse in order to complete their mission.

"What are you going to do now?" Torchwick asked.

"As i said, I will be taking over for Sho. Fill me in in everything and i will do my best to assist you."

"Happy to see the change in attitude." Cinder said. "Now... are you certain about that "offer"?"

"Again. Ewww." Mercury stuck his tongue out in disgust.

"Sorry. But you're not my type." As Akakabuto was about to leave the warehouse, he stopped himself. "I will leave a few men to keep tabs on whatever is needed to be done. Until then." He then left the warehouse.

"Tch... the fact that we had Wild Fang mercenaries with us the entire time was quite nerve wrecking." Roman pulled out a cigar and lit it up. "Luckily, they weren't within earshot when we executed that plan."

"He's quite the shrewd individual. And of course was quite distrustful of us from the beginning." Cinder said. "But just like that bull, easy to manipulate."

"Hey? Does anybody smell something burning?" Mercury and the others sniff around and looked back at the door that had Shogun's corpse.

"Dammit! He didn't?!" Torchwick and the others went into the room and saw that it was set ablaze.

"Woah... talk about metal." Mercury muttered. They all watched as the room was completely ablaze.

"If he wanted a funeral, I could've had it arraigned for him at the pet cemetery. Or properly cremated." Torchwick said. "At least it doesn't smell anymore."

Cinder proceeded to leave out.

"And where exactly are you going again?" Torchwick asked.

"Back to the academy. If I'm not back by a certain time, the huntsman there will know something is up." Cinder then left out.

"You're apart of their group also. Right Neo?" Roman asked the girl. Who nodded her head. Using certain gestures with her hands she made up a sentence.

'I'm apart of a cooking class. The fat one that you had trouble with is surprisingly, a really good cook.'

"Let me guess? You've taken a liking to him?" Torchwick began to chuckle.

Neo pouted. 'As if. The golden eyed one is more of my type.'

"He's the enemy Neo. Please don't do anything that will get you caught."

'I promise I'll be on my best behavior.' Neo then smiled. 'If you wasn't so "recognizable", you could've joined us.'

"Tch...whatever."

Neo then shattered into glass. Disappearing from the warehouse.

With the warehouse completely cleaned of all the boxes and loaded into the jet, Roman then sighed.

"Now that that's settled. I believe it's time for us to make our leave." Roman then stepped into the bullhead. "Once she obtains her "New World Order, and I get what I want. I won't ever have to associate with her ever again."


So with this whole Corona virus outbreak going on, things have been hectic. The good news is, I get to work from home. The bad news is, i have to work from home and meet my quota by 5pm every day until this mess is over. Leaving me drained and not in the mood to write anything. Anyways, with that being said. Akakabuto has now joined up with Cinder in order to kill Nick i know that you guys might also be getting tired of all these flashback chapters also. But theres one more i have to do and we won't see one for a good while at least until after volume 3. Anyways, with that being said, the next chapter is going to be more light hearted. So be on the lookout for it.